WKBT La Crosse, WI-NewsChannel 8-Doyle Talks Economy in State of State

Doyle Talks Economy in State of State

In his State of the State address on Wednesday evening, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle asked legislators to turn challenge into opportunity in the face of a national recession.

Doyle said that people in Wisconsin are feeling the economic impact of bad decisions made in our nation's capital, and that "America's economy is in turmoil."  He told legislators that he believe an "entrpreneurial spirit" is the answer.

Doyle said he wants to help accelerate new business, invest in manufacturers, and raise the minimum wage to help businesses, manufacturers and individuals get ahead.

"Over the next year our state will face challenges," said Doyle in his address.  "In Wisconsin, we will have to deal with fiscal shortfalls like we have seen in other states.  It will require some very difficult choices."

Doyle said that too many people in Wisconsin are still going without healthcare.  He wants to create a health insurance pool for small businesses, to allow for lower costs and increased competition.

Doyle also said Wisconsin could become a leader in renewable energy, when he announced an initiative to spend $150 million over ten years to make it more available.

"Our nation's dependency on foreign oil must end," said Doyle.  "But drilling our way out of this crisis is not the answer.  We must invent and innovate our way to a cleaner, safer energy culture."

Once again Doyle promoted a statewide smoking ban, which would include all bars, restaurants and workplaces.  He said Minnesota and Illinois both have bans now, and he doesn't want Wisconsin to be the "ash tray of the Midwest."

In regards to education, Doyle said he wants high standards for our teachers, and to reward teachers who pursue tough assignments, and more education.  He once again asked to require a third year of instruction for high school students in math and science.

In response to Governor Doyle's speech, Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch said he's optimistic about the governor's idaes to help spur the economy.

"I think that the Republicans are ready to stand with the governor and move forward with some of the economic development ideas that he's come forward with this evening, and frankly some things that we've already passed," said Huebsch.

Many of the governor's proposals for boosting the economy actually came from Republican's ideas.  That means in the end, it may be hard to get some of the inititiatives past the Democratic-controlled Senate.

Huebsch says that while Republicans are behind many of the governor's economic ideas, Republicans are not as supportive of some of his other ideas, such as the minimum wage increase he proposed.